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Approved-SPO Assignment brief - Jan17_Draft.pdf

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London School of Business & Management BTEC Level 5- HND

Unit Outcomes Covered: LO1. Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

LO2. Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product or service

LO3. Understand the role and objectives of sales management

LO4. Be able to plan sales activity for a product or service

GRADING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors

AC1.1 AC1.2 AC1.3 AC2.1 AC2.2 AC3.1 AC3.2 AC3.3 AC3.4 AC3.5

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors

AC4.1 AC4.2 AC4.3 M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3

√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Assessor: Signature: ______________ Date: ___ /___ /_____

Centre No 79829

Unit No & Unit Title Unit 20: Sales Planning and Operations

Course Title HND Business [BTEC Level 5]

Assessor’s Name Kuldeep Pradhan

Assignment Title & Type SPO - Individual Assignment

Date Set 17 th

January 2017

Due Date 10 th

April 2017

Academic Year & Semester January 2017 Semester

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Tutor Notes Key Points:

 You should answer ALL questions in this assignment.

 Your assignment should be handed in by the deadline. This assignment must be your own

work and original.

 You are expected to apply Harvard referencing system to acknowledge any secondary

sources of information used to support your work in the assignment.

 You are expected to check spelling mistakes and grammar. There should be clarity of

expression in the report.

 Your work should be presented using an appropriate report structure that shows e.g Table

of Contents, Introduction, Discussion, Conclusions, References and Appendix (if

necessary).

 Your work should show evidence of factual content and understanding of the subject,

critical analysis, justifications, arguments and any relevant academic frameworks and

models.

Submission Regulations

1. “Assignment Front Cover Sheet” must accompany the assignment [now available from the Moodle].

2. Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date, via Turnitin. Please refer to the

LSBM Moodle for detailed assignment submission instructions.

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Assignment Tasks:

Task 1 Scenario – Electro-Cars Ltd Stephen & Liz, in partnership, run successful electric-cars dealerships (Electro-Cars Ltd) in England. They have garages with showrooms and workshops for servicing and maintenance of customer vehicles spread over several counties in England. Recently, sales of new and second- hand cars have been down. Although the business partners understand that this may have been the result of the economic recession, they are also concerned as several experienced sales staff have left and the current sales personnel are mostly inexperienced. Stephen & Liz want to revive their business by reinforcing the idea of „environmentally-friendly‟ & „economically‟ appealing cars delivered through competent sales personnel with excellent customer services. You are the consultant given the task to advise Electro-Cars Ltd on the way forward. You have been asked to specifically advise the company to look at the role of personal selling with a view to improving the effectiveness of the company‟s sales personnel in areas of B2B & B2C. Your report needs to consider the following:

1. Explain with examples, how personal selling can enhance advertising and sales promotions activities at Electro-Cars Ltd. AC1.1

2. Compare the buyer behaviour and the decision making process within B2B and B2C

context with reference to Electro-Cars Ltd. AC1.2 3. Analyse the role of the sales-teams in implementation of the overall marketing strategy

for the Electro-Cars Ltd. AC1.3 Your answers should be written in a suitable business style and should link any academic theories/studies to the business including appropriate research on business to customer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) selling as these concepts relate to the case scenario. Task 1 covers assessment criteria AC1.1, AC1.2 & AC1.3, D2

Task 2

Scenario – Power-point Presentation

You have been invited to prepare and carry-out Sales presentation to a panel of delegates comprised of individuals and representatives of businesses. 2.1 Prepare not more than 6 presentation slides for a sales presentation on a product or service of your choice with a view to closing a sale with prospective customers from the audience. 2.2 Produce planned speaker’s notes for each slide in order to illustrate how you would carry- out a sales presentation on your selected product or service.

Your presentation slides and speaker’s notes for the presentation should be clearly prepared in order to demonstrate how you have addressed assessment criteria AC2.1 and AC2.2. The slides and speaker’s notes should be submitted together with the rest of your work.

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Task 3 Scenario: Case Study – Acrylic Fabricators Ltd Acrylic Fabricators Ltd is a company that produces and markets polymer cups, teaspoons, knives and forks for the catering industry. The company was established in 1974 in response to the changes taking place in the catering industry. The growth of the fast food sector of the market was seen as an opportunity to provide disposable eating utensils, which would save on human resources and allow the speedy provision of utensils for fast customer flow. In addition, Acrylic Fabricators Ltd. has benefited from the growth in supermarkets and sells „consumer packs‟ through four of the large supermarket groups. The expansion of sales and outlets has led Tim Gordon, the sales manager, to recommend to Carol Jones, the general manager that the present salesforce of two regional representatives be increased to four. Gordon believes that the new recruits should have experience of selling fast-moving consumer goods since essentially that is what their products are. Jones believes that the new recruits should be familiar with polymer products since that is what they are selling. She favours recruiting from within the polymer industry, since such people are familiar with the supply, production and properties of polymer and are likely to talk the same language as other people working at the firm. Using the above case example in the scenario and any other relevant research, answer the following questions: 1. Explain with examples, how sales strategies can be aligned with corporate objectives in

organisations like Acrylic Fabricators. AC3.1, D3 2. Explain why the recruitment and selection procedures are important for Acrylic

Fabricators Ltd. AC3.2 3. Evaluate the role of Motivation at Acrylic Fabricators Ltd. You should also explain how

Remuneration and Training can be utilised as tools for motivation within Sales Management. AC3.3, D1

4. Explain how Acrylic Fabricators Ltd. can organise Sales activities in order to control sales

output. AC3.4, D3

5. Explain with examples, how effective Sales Management can be supported by the use of databases. AC3.5

Task 3 covers assessment criteria AC3.1, AC3.2, AC3.3, AC3.4 & AC3.5, D1, D3

Task 2 covers assessment criteria AC2.1, AC2.2, M3

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Task 4 Scenario – Currys (Dixons Carphone) Currys is a British electrical retailer operating in the UK and Ireland, owned by Dixons Carphone. It specialises in selling home electronics and household appliances, with 295 superstores and 73 high street stores. Smaller stores also trade under the Currys Digital brand in the UK, which was introduced to rebrand all former Dixons stores in 2006. Dixons stores in Ireland followed in August 2008, without the Digital suffix. (Dixons Carphone, 2015) As a Sales Manager of Currys, you are considering expansion into one emerging market. Select an example of an emerging market such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and answer these questions: 1. Investigate opportunities for selling internationally into your chosen emerging market.

AC4.2, M1

2. Investigate opportunities for using Exhibitions/Trade-fairs in your chosen emerging

market. AC4.3, M1

3. Develop a Sales Plan for a product category of Currys suitable for your chosen

emerging market. AC4.1, M2

Task 4 covers assessment criteria AC4.1, AC4.2 & AC4.3, M1, M2

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Grading Criteria (Pass, Merit & Distinction)

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria for Pass

LO1. Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

AC1.1 Explain how personal selling supports the promotion mix.

AC1.2 Compare buyer behaviour and the decision making process in different situations.

AC1.3 Analyse the role of sales teams within marketing strategy.

LO2. Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product/service

AC2.1 Prepare a sales presentation for a product or service.

AC2.2 Carry out sales presentation for a product or service.

LO3. Understand the role and objectives of sales management

AC3.1 Explain how sales strategies are developed in line with corporate objectives.

AC3.2 Explain the role of recruitments and selection procedure.

AC3.3 Evaluate the role of motivation, remuneration and training in sales management.

AC3.4 Explain how sales management organise sales activity and control of output.

AC3.5 Explain the use of database in effective sales management.

LO4. Be able to plan a sales activity for a product or service.

AC4.1 Develop a sales plan for a product or a service.

AC4.2 Investigate opportunities for selling internationally.

AC4.3 Investigate opportunities for using exhibitions or trade fairs.

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Grade Descriptors for MERIT Possible Evidence

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

M1: An effective approach to study and research has been applied to illustrate evidence of investigation in AC4.2 and AC4.3 using Harvard referencing format throughout in both citations and the reference list.

M2 Select / design appropriate methods / Techniques

M2: Selection of methods, techniques and sources has been justified while illustrating Sales Plan with clearly linked Objectives, Strategies and Tactics - AC4.1

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

M3: An appropriate structure and approach has been used in presenting and carrying out Sales Presentation - (AC2.1 & AC2.2)

Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION

Possible evidence

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

D1: Analysis shows critical reflection, evaluation and synthesis of ideas while evaluating role of motivation, remuneration and training in sales management – AC3.3

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities

D2: Independence has been demonstrated in planning and organising in explaining the of role of personal selling and / or comparing buyer behaviour – AC 1.1, AC1.2 and AC1.3 using Harvard referencing format competently throughout in both citations and the reference list.

D3 Demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking

D3: Problems have been solved demonstrating understanding of academic frameworks and creative thinking in explaining how sales strategies are developed in line with corporate objectives - AC3.1 AND explaining how sales management organise sales activity and control of output – AC3.4

Scheme of Work SPO.doc

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Scheme of Work

BTEC HND in Business

Module Title:Sales Planning & Operations(SPO)

January 2017 Semester

Module Leader:Kuldeep Pradhan

Module Lecturers:

Kuldeep Pradhan

Aims:

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of sales planning, sales management, and the selling process, which can be applied in different markets and environments.

Learning Outcomes:

LO1 Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

LO2 Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product or service

LO3 Understand the role and objectives of sales management.

LO4 Be able to plan sales activity for a product or service.

Delivery:

This unit will be delivered through a combination of different methods that mainly include formal lectures (1 hour) and seminars (2hours). The lecture sessions will normally introduce the topics, and will be largely tutor-led. Seminars are designed to allow for in-depth discussion on the lecture topic, and provides opportunities for students to understand in more detail the linkages between the lecture content and the assessment for the module. During seminars, several methods and techniques that can be applied may include question and answer, group discussions and short presentations based for example on scenarios, video-clips and case study material.

Assessment:

The assessment of this module will take the form of4 Tasks based on the Learning Outcomes. Task 1, 3 and 4 will collectively be in the form of “Individual Assignment” based on varying scenarios for each task.Task 2 will take the form of “Individual/Pair Sales Presentation” for a Product Or Service of your choice. ‘Presentation’ Task will be due in week 5,(along with a signed contribution log for pair) . The tasks presented will cover learning Outcomes 1 – 4 (as given above), and will be designed to evaluate students’ understanding of the module content.

A completed assignment must reflect confidence that students have understood and can use the information that they have studied on the course and can present it in a manner that will receive at least aPASS grade, in order to pass the Module.

Essential Reading:

BPP (2013), Business Essentials: Marketing and Sales Strategy, London: BPP Learning Media Ltd. ISBN: 9781445368351

Jobber, D& Lancaster, G (2012), Selling and Sales Management, 9th Ed.Harlow: FT Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780273762652

Recommended Reading:

Kotler.P, Armstrong.G, and Harris.L, (2013), Principles and Practice of Marketing. McGraw Hill.

Blythe. J, (2014)Principles and Practice of Marketing, 3rd Ed. Sage.

Gold J, Thorpe R and Mumford A (2010) Leadership and Management Development. CIPD.

Megginson D and Whitaker V (2007) Continuing Professional Development. CIPD.

Owen J – How to Lead(2009). 2nd Edition. Prentice Hall.

Pedler M, Burgoyne J and Boydell T (2006). A Manager’s Guide to Self Development. McGraw-Hill.

Journals

Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management

Management Today (Haymarket Business Media)

People Management (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)

Professional Manager (Chartered Management Institute)

Marketing Business-Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Websites - Online Reading

www.businesslink.gov.uk- Interactive tools for creating a personal development plan through assessment of management and leadership skills

www.cipd.co.uk- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

www.managementhelp.org- Articles on leadership development planning and self-assessments for personal and professional development

www.management-standards.org.uk -Chartered Management Institute

www.mindtools.com -Time-management tools and activity logs

www.cim.co.uk - Chartered Institute of Marketing

www.bized.co.uk - Cengage Learning (EMEA) Limited

www.mckinsey.com/insights/marketing_sales - McKinsey & Company: Global Management Consulting

Scheme of Work

Week Number

Lecture Topics

Duration: One hour

Seminar Topics

1stHOUR

Seminar Topics

2ndHOUR

OBJECTIVES OF THE SESSIONS

Week 1

Opening Session:

General Introduction

Introduction to SPO Unit: Aims, Objectives & Rationale

Intro to New Delivery Method

Assessment Method:

Presentation & Assignment

Essential Reading TextBooks& their Access

Objectives of Tutorials

Health and Safety & Housekeeping& Ground Rules.

Ice-breakerStudent activities :

- Name, tenure in UK, Work Experience, Expectations from the Unit, Long term Goal(s)

Once students are familiar with each other; Elect a Representative (STAR), and

a Deputy STAR, then exchange email addresses. Ask them to collect their group’s email address.

Module Assessment& Methods of Study

Explanation on ‘Group/Individual Sales Presentation’ task: It needs be video recorded and uploaded to ‘Youtube’ as ‘Unlisted’ video.

It needs to be worked in ‘Pairs’ Or Individually.

They can search on ‘Youtube’ on how to upload videos onto Youtube.

Atleast one Gmail Account needs to be created for the same.

Agree on Weekly formative via quizzes & guided discussions.

Understanding of

Learning Outcome and Assessment Criteria

Getting the students to know their group,

Getting students to form a ‘Pair’ to work on Presentation, and identify a ‘Product’ Or ‘Service’ for the same.

Prepare them for ‘Video Recording’ their sales presentation.

Confirm ‘Powerpoint’ competence; Pair up those lacking such skills with ones who do.

Week 2

LO1: Understand Role of Personal Selling within overall marketing strategy

Definition: Sales Planning & Operation; Relation between Marketing and Sales;

Sales Concept: Production Concept to Sales concept;

Promotional Mix: personal and impersonal communication; objectives of promotional activity; push-pull and profiling strategies; integrating sales with other promotional activities;

Class Discussion on ‘Sales Concept’ within business.

Student, in pairs identify examples of promotional tools used.

Which ones can they recall, and why?

Compare ‘Objectives’ of such promotional tools and their likely success & reasoning for success.

Review Assignment Brief.

Identify clues from the scenario to ‘explain’ how personal selling can support other promotional mix, with some elaboration.

Students can work in groups Or pairs with the aim of producing written notes.

AC 1.1 explain how personal selling supports the promotion mix

Week 3

LO1: AC1.2 Understanding buyer behaviour: 

consumer and organisational purchase decision-making; influences on consumer &organisational buyer behaviour; structure of the DMU (Decision Making Unit);

LO1: AC 1.3 Roles of Sales Team:

sales team responsibilities (information gathering, customer and competitor intelligence, building customer databases, prospecting and pioneering, stock allocation,maintaining and updating sales reports and records, liaison with sales office); sales team communications; the role of ICT in improving sales team communications

Class Discussion on ‘Case Study’:

Wk-3 “Lost Computer Sales” - Student Work in Pairs & Groups to answer.

Case study leading to discussions on Role of Sales Team &Use of ICT

Review Assignment:

AC1.2 Identify& make comparative notes on ‘buyer behaviour’ – B2B Vs B2C. Level of involvement, Decision making process of such buyers.

AC 1.3 Role of Sales Team: types of Selling; people involved in selling function;

Task: Communicating avantages; Securing Sales; Prospecting; After sales service; gathering information.

Discuss relevance with scenario.

AC 1.2 Compare buyer behaviour and the decision making process in different situations

AC 1.3 Analyse the role of sales teams within marketing strategy

Week 4

LO2: AC2.1 prepare a sales presentation for a product or service: customer-oriented approach; preparation and rehearsal; opening remarks; techniques and personal presentation; need identification and stimulation; product demonstration and use of visual aids; handling and pre-empting objections; closing techniques; post sale follow-up; record keeping; customer relationship marketing (CRM)

AC 2.2 Carry out sales presentations for a product or service: Ideas on Presentation- PPT &Youtube

Group Discussion & Video samples (Youtube)on sales presentations.

Ideas on Powerpoints Presentations and Video Recording.

Tips on Presentations &Powerpoint Software.

Show how to create powerpoints in Microsoft Windows Software.

Mock Presentation:

In Class Mock-presentation of Student’s planned Sales presentation.

Allow max of 3 mins for each presentation.

AC2.1 Prepare a sales presentation for a product or service.

AC 2.2 Carry out sales presentations for a product or service.

Also, to give opportunity for students to stand infront of the class deliver public speaking.

Week 5

Sales Presentations Tips:

Objection Handling

Students carryout their presentation & face questions from the audience.

Teacher activity:

Mark presentation using presentation form.

Assessment of Presentation

Week 6

LO3: AC3.1 setting sales objectives relationship of sales, marketing &corporate objectives; importance of selling in the marketing plan; role of sales forecasts in planning;

AC3.2 importance of selection; preparing job descriptions and person specifications; sources of recruitment; interview preparation and techniques; selection and appointment

Students identify: MOST: Mission, Objectives, Strategy & Tactics;PEST; SWOT; & Case Study on MCRL Europe:

GOSPA: Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Plans & Actions.

Discuss Recruitment & Selection procedures – best practices.

Following from Jobber & Lancaster (2009), pg 39

Class Activities in Pairs.

Activities listed on Moodle (Week 6).

Individual Assignment progress Review. Monitor non-progress & Follow-up next week.

3.1 Explain how sales strategies are developed in line with corporate objectives

3.2 Explain the importance of recruitment and selection procedures

Week 7

LO3: AC3.3 motivation theory and practice; team building; target setting; financial incentives; non-financial incentives; salary and commission-based remuneration; induction training; training on specific products; ongoing training and continuous professional development (CPD); training methods; preparation of training programmes; the sales manual

Class discussion reflecting on Motivation linked to Remuneration & Training.

Their merits and drawbacks.

Student input on ‘motivation’ as this is not a new topic for them!!

Class Activity:

Activity for Week 7 on Moodle [40mins].

Remaining time to be utilised to review ‘Individual Assignment’ progression and Formative Feedback

3.3  evaluate the role of motivation, remuneration and training in sales management

Assignment Progress Check for Formative Feedbacks.

Week 8

LO3: AC3.4 organisation of sales activities (by product, by customer, by customer type; by area), territory design; journey planning; allocation of workload; team building; Also purpose and role of the sales budget; performance standards: performance against targets (financial, volume, call-rate, conversion, pioneering); appraisals;

AC3.5importance of database building; sources of information; updating the database; use of database to generate incremental business and stimulate repeat purchase; use of database control mechanisms; importance of ICT methods in database management; security of data; Data Protection Act.

Class Discussion:

On organisation of Sales force – By territory, Product, market, Outlet, Customer base, etc. and their merits & drawbacks. (Jobber & Lancaster 2009, p 439)

Sample Sales Budgeting for control – “Week 8 - Sales Budget Database Managment.doc”

on Moodle.

Class Discussion:

On use of Database for Sales management; Direct marketing; Data management, Importance of Database management for effective Sales.

Case Study:

Kettle Foods (Jobber & Lancaster, 2009, p 347-348)

3.4 Explain how sales management organise sales activity and control sales output

3.5 Explain the use of databases in effective sales management

Week 9

LO4: AC4.1: sales channels (retailers, wholesalers, distributors, agents multi- channel and online retailers); importance of market segmentation: business-to- business (BTB) selling; industrial selling; selling to public authorities; selling for resale; telesales; selling services; pioneering; systems selling; selling to project teams or groups

AC4.2:Role of agents and distributors; sources, selection and appointment of agents/distributors; agency contracts; training and motivating agents/distributors; use of expatriate versus local sales personnel; role, duties and characteristics of the export sales team; coping in different cultural environments; the role of ICT in communicating with an international sales team

Class Disussion:

On Sales Plan – Content and details for typical plan.

Product selections for plan.

See ‘Wk9 – Sample’ Sales plan.

Class Discussion:

On issues faced in International Selling & factors influencing opportunities;

Selection of an Emerging market from selling. Discuss ideas on ‘Agent, Distributor, Subsidiary, etc.

Ideas on researching information on emerging market!

4.1 Develop a sales plan for a product or service

4.2 Investigate opportunities for selling internationally

Week 10

LO4: AC4.3: Role, types and locations of trade fairs and exhibitions; how trade fairs and exhibitions fit in with corporate strategy and objectives; setting objectives for participation in an exhibition; audience profile and measurement; qualification and follow-up of exhibition leads; evaluation of exhibition attendance; setting budgets; financial assistance for exhibition attendance; principles of stand design

Class Discussion: on Exhibition – merits and drawbacks of such fairs; rationale for decisions to participate –

Application of understanding onto exhibitions suitable for the ‘product’ in an emerging ‘international market’

Ideas of research.

Students tentatively decide on the ‘emerging’ market and research on ‘Exhibition’ Or ‘Trade fairs’ available in such market; and judge suitability for their chosen product.

4.3 Investigate opportunities for using exhibitions or trade fairs.

Formative Feedback on assignment Progress.

Week 11

Recap on LO1, LO3, & LO4

Assignment support

Assignment Support

Prepare Students for submission.

Week 12

Assignment Submission

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SPO Module specification.doc

image1.jpg BTEC Module Specs 2014-15

SALES PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Implemented in line with the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

Contents

3Aims of the Unit

3 Unit abstract

4 Learning outcomes

4 Unit Content

6 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

8 Teaching, Learning and Assessment Plan

8 Formative and Summative Assessment – Rationale

9 Links

9 Essential Reading

10 Recommended Reading

10 Books

10 Electronic Sources

10 Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Unit Name: Sales Planning and Operations

Pearson Unit Code: Y/601/1261

Module Leader:

Credit Value: 15 Credits

Pearson Unit Number: Unit 20

Module Description

QCF Level: Level 5

BTEC Programme Specification:Optional Module

LSBM Programme Specification: (ALL LSBM modules for HND programmes are COMPULSORY)

LSBM Delivery Year and Semester: HND (Year Two), Semester Two

Aims of the Unit

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with an understanding of sales planning, sales management, and the selling process, which can be applied in different markets and environments.

Unit abstract

Selling is a key part of any successful business, and most people will find that they need to use sales skills at some point in their working life – if only to persuade or win an argument. For anyone who is interested in sales as a professional career it pays to understand the basics of selling, to practice, and plan. This unit will introduce learners to the theory of selling and sales planning, and give them the opportunity to put their personal selling skills into practice.

The unit starts with an overview of how personal selling fits within the overall marketing strategy for a business. Learners will be taken through the main stages of the selling process, and be expected to put them to use. Once they are confident about the selling process, learners will investigate the role and objectives of sales management. This is knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of organisations.

Finally, learners will be able to start planning sales activity for a product or service of their own choice – this is another valuable skill that is transferable to many different situations learners may find themselves in as they move into employment or higher education.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

2.Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product or service

3. Understand the role and objectives of sales management

4.Be able to plan sales activity for a product or service.

Unit Content

1. Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

Promotion mix: personal and impersonal communication; objectives of promotional activity; push-pull strategies; integrating sales with other promotional activities; evaluating promotion; allocation of promotion budget

Understanding buyer behaviour: consumer and organisational purchase decision-making processes; influences on consumer purchase behaviour (personal, psychological, social); influences on organisational buyer behaviour (environmental, organisational, interpersonal, individual); purchase occasion; buying interests and motives; buyer moods; level of involvement; importance and structure of the DMU (Decision Making Unit); finding the decision-taker; distinction between customers and users

Role of the sales team: definition and role of personal selling; types of selling; characteristics for personal selling; product and competitor knowledge; sales team responsibilities (information gathering, customer and competitor intelligence, building customer databases, prospecting and pioneering, stock allocation, maintaining and updating sales reports and records, liaison with sales office); sales team communications; the role of ICT in improving sales team communications

2. Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product or service

Principles: customer-oriented approach; objective setting; preparation and rehearsal; opening remarks; techniques and personal presentation; need for identification and stimulation; presentation; product demonstration and use of visual aids; handling and pre-empting objections; techniques and proposals for negotiation; buying signals; closing techniques; post sale follow-up; record keeping; customer relationship marketing (CRM)

3. Understand the role and objectives of sales management

Sales strategy: setting sales objectives; relationship of sales, marketing and corporate objectives; importance of selling in the marketing plan; use of marketing information for planning and decision making (sources and collection methods); role of sales forecasts in planning; quantitative and qualitative sales forecasting techniques; strategies for selling

Recruitment and selection: importance of selection; preparing job descriptions and person specifications; sources of recruitment; interview preparation and techniques; selection and appointment.

Motivation, remuneration and training: motivation theory and practice; team building; target setting; financial incentives; non-financial incentives; salary and commission-based remuneration; induction training; training on specific products; ongoing training and continuous professional development (CPD); training methods; preparation of training programmes; the sales manual

Organisation and structure: organisation of sales activities (by product, by customer, by customer type; by area); estimation and targeting of call frequency; territory design; journey planning; allocation of workload; team building; creating and maintaining effective working relationships; sales meetings; sales conferences

Controlling sales output: purpose and role of the sales budget; performance standards: performance against targets (financial, volume, call-rate, conversion, pioneering); appraisals; self-development plans; customer care

Database management: importance of database building; sources of information; updating the database; use of database to generate incremental business and stimulate repeat purchase; use of database control mechanisms; importance of ICT methods in database management; security of data; Data Protection Act.

4. Be able to plan sales activity for a product or service

Sales settings: sales channels (retailers, wholesalers, distributors, agents multi- channel and online retailers); importance of market segmentation: business-to- business (BTB) selling; industrial selling; selling to public authorities; selling for resale; telesales; selling services; pioneering; systems selling; selling to project teams or groups

International selling: role of agents and distributors; sources, selection and appointment of agents/distributors; agency contracts; training and motivating agents/distributors; use of expatriate versus local sales personnel; role, duties and characteristics of the export sales team; coping in different cultural environments; the role of ICT in communicating with an international sales team

Exhibitions and trade fairs: role, types and locations of trade fairs and exhibitions; how trade fairs and exhibitions fit in with corporate strategy and objectives; setting objectives for participation in an exhibition; audience profile and measurement; qualification and follow-up of exhibition leads; evaluation of exhibition attendance; setting budgets; financial assistance for exhibition attendance; principles of stand design.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

Assessment criteria for pass

The learner can:

LO1 Understand the role of personal selling within the overall marketing strategy

AC1.1explain how personal selling supports the promotion mix

AC1.2 compare buyer behaviour and the decision making process in different situations

AC1.3 analyse the role of sales teams within marketing strategy

LO2 Be able to apply the principles of the selling process to a product or service

AC2.1prepare a sales presentation for a product or service

AC2.2 carry out sales presentations for a product or service

LO3 Understand the role and objectives of sales management

AC3.1explain how sales strategies are developed in line with corporate objectives

AC3.2 explain the importance of recruitment and selection procedures

AC3.3 evaluate the role of motivation, remuneration and training in sales management

AC3.4 explain how sales management organise sales activity and control sales output

AC3.5 explain the use of databases in effective sales management

LO4 Be able to plan sales activity for a product or service

AC4.1develop a sales plan for a product or service

AC4.2 investigate opportunities for selling internationally

AC4.3investigate opportunities for using exhibitions or trade fairs.

Grade Descriptors for MERIT

Possible Evidence

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

M1An effective approach to study and research has been applied in producing the required work

M2 Select / design appropriate methods / Techniques

M2Selection of methods, techniques and sources has been justified.

Harvard referencing format has been correctly applied in both citations and the reference list

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

M3An appropriate structure and approach has been used in producing the required work

Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION

Possible evidence

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

D1 Analysis shows critical reflection, and conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas that are well justified

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities

D2 Independence has been demonstrated in planning and organising the research and writing of the work produced and presented.

Harvard referencing format has been competently applied in both citations and the reference list

D3 Demonstrate convergent/lateral/ creative thinking

D3Problems have been solved demonstrating creative application of appropriate theories and academic frameworks in the analysis to illustrate the points made

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Plan

Teaching and Learning Plan

Teaching Hours per Semester – In Class Lessons

12 Hours

Tutorial Hours per Semester – In Class Sessions

24 Hours

Self-Study Hours

60 Hours

Assessment Hours – Formative & Summative

54 Hours

Total

150 Hours

Assessment Plan

Formative Assessment – Tutorial Activities

Ongoing – In class during tutorials

Summative Assessment - End of Semester

Coursework

Formative and Summative Assessment – Rationale

This module will utilise both summative and formative assessments.

Coursework will be the only summative assessment to be given to students at the beginning of the semester. Students will be expected to complete the Coursework and submit it in Turnitin on Moodle (Virtual Learning Environment) at the end of the semester. The formative assessment will take various forms that include presentations, case study analysis, research based activities and short exercises carried out individually or in small groups throughout the semester in tutorial sessions.

The summative assessment (Coursework) will help toassess the students’ knowledge and understanding of sales planning and operations.

The students will be required to assess a number of issues such as promotional mix, buying behaviour, personal selling, sales strategy, motivation for sales personnel, challenges of international selling, trade fair etc.

Assessment is as essential as the provision of a learning experience, and the assignment is one of the significant assessment tools for several reasons as outlined below.

· It provides the scope for the evaluation of the extent to which all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been achieved.

· Through constructive and supportive feedback students are given adequate opportunities to improve their work so as to achieve the standard required.

· The grade descriptors enable students to achieve the desired grading. Assignment provides students the opportunities to develop their research skills which are essential in today’s business and management contexts.

· Students are able to review the work of several scholars and to assess their merits and limitations. It provides opportunities for the students to improve their level of scholarship in writing academic essays.

· Contrary to time constrained assessments which require students to regurgitate information, the written assignment provides opportunities for students to apply the learning to real work situations.

· Moreover, it enables students to demonstrate their analytical and critical thinking abilities which are critical in today’s business and management contexts.

· Assignment is a very effective instrument because it enables assessors to make objective assessment of students’ work based on evidence produced.

· Lastly, it provides opportunities for students to take responsibility of their learning to become independent learners so that they can continue to learn and develop throughout their professional lives.

Links

This unit links to other marketing units within the pathway:

Unit 19: Marketing Planning.

Unit 4: Marketing Principles and

Unit 6: Business Decision Making.

Essential requirements

Learners must have access to a suitable business teaching environment with access to the internet in order to carry out research. They also require access to a range of organisations that have active sales teams currently engaged in personal selling.

Tutors could consider building a bank of contacts and resource materials to ensure there is a sufficient supply of relevant information across a range of business types and sectors.

Essential Reading

e-bookavailable on Moodle

Jobber D and Lancaster G (2012) Selling and Sales Management. 9th Edition. Pearson Education Ltd.

Recommended Reading

Books

1. Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (2012) Principles of Marketing. 14th edition, London: Prentice Hall

2. BPP Learning Media (2013) TheMarketing and Sales Strategy

3. Lancaster, G and Reynolds, P. (2004) Marketing. 1st Edition, New York: Palgrave Macmillan

Electronic Sources

1. The Chartered Institute of Marketing

http://www.cim.co.uk/

2. American Marketing Association-

https://www.ama.org

3. Business studies learning resources-

http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/

Other Websites

· www.tutor2u.net

· www.marketingteacher.com

· www.businessbritainuk.co.uk

· www.cityam.co.uk

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Learners can generate evidence from a work placement or work experience. Some learners may have access to selling opportunities from family owned and run businesses.

There are numerous textbooks covering sales planning and operations. It is important that learners are directed to a balance of comprehensive theoretical texts and the more readable ‘how to’ books which provide an excellent source of practical exercises.

Marketing and sales journals are a good topical source for personal selling and sales management activities. A number of videos have been produced demonstrating good (and bad) sales techniques. Many of these form part of sales training programmes which can be purchased. Throughout the course of an academic year, topical programmes often appear on television for example, Dragons’ Den.

Centres should develop links with local businesses such as businesses that have sales teams as part of their marketing strategy. Many businesses and chambers of commerce want to promote local business and are often willing to provide work placements, visit opportunities, information about businesses and the local business context and guest speakers. Local Business Link organisations are another good source for employer engagement as they are in contact with a range of different businesses in different industries.

Examples include:

www.businessbritainuk.co.uk

Provides information about business in Britain and has extensive links to other business and business news sites.

www.fsb.org.uk

The Federation of Small Businesses provides information, support and guidance about small businesses in the UK.

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